Jan’s Journey continues forward

BY STACI WILSON

Just over two years ago, Jan Krupinski was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

Breast cancer.

The days following the diagnosis were a blur of appointments, tests, lab work.

“I was blessed with such a strong support system but found it hard to reach out to each of them to let them know decisions, results, dates, treatments,” Krupinski said.

Then “Jan’s Journey” was created, a private Facebook page where everyone could keep informed of her treatment.

Not only did those in the group receive updates from Krupinski, they also provided support. “It was so very humbling,” she said. “not only did my friends and family support me but the whole community did as well.”

Two years later, and cancer free, she is paying that kindness and support forward, starting with the first “Jan’s Journey Festival of Tables,” held Sunday, April 17, at the Montrose VFW.

“I decided Jan’s Journey is far from over,” she said.

For the Festival of Tables, hostesses decorated tables in the style of their choosing – but each table had to include at least either one pink item or one blue item, representative of female breast cancer and male breast cancer respectively. Tables were judged and prizes were awarded.

Proceeds from the event were donated to Traci’s Hope – a non-profit organization that assist breast cancer patients and their families in Susquehanna and Bradford counties; as well as Broome and Tioga counties in New York.

Jen Gibson of Traci’s Hope said the community rallied around Traci Gibson after her diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 31. Traci Gibson died at the age of 38.

Traci’s Hope provides up to $1,000 in assistance to breast cancer patients in the area “for things insurance doesn’t cover,” Jen Gibson said at the event.”

In the past 12 years, Traci’s Hope has helped 570 families with $450,000.

Guest speaker Gail Davis noted the importance of community and resiliency as part of “Jan’s Secrets to Success.”

Krupinski and Davis first met last year at the Montrose Business and Professional Women’s Club “Women’s Empowerment Seminar” where Davis was speaking.

As a friend shaved Krupinski’s head during treatment, she joked about adding a hoop earring to look like “Mr. Clean,” or a lollipop like “Kojak.”

“(Jan) knew the importance of laughing at herself,” Davis said.

She also said Krupinski “learned to lean” and to count on a rely on the support of her family and friends.

“Suck up your pride, reach out to friends and say, ‘Hey, I need you,’” Davis advised. “This is a tremendous community. Learn to lean on them.”

“The community is so special here,” she said. “You’re here because Jan touched you, and now you’re paying it forward to Traci’s Hope so they can touch other lives.”